Universal remote radio head

ABSTRACT

A distributed base station radio system includes first channelized to broadband conversion unit that receives first downlink channelized data for first radio frequency band from first channelized radio frequency source; and first universal remote radio head communicatively coupled to first channelized to broadband conversion unit. First channelized to broadband conversion unit converts first downlink channelized data into a first downlink broadband signal. First channelized to broadband conversion unit communicates the first downlink broadband signal to first universal remote radio head. First universal remote radio head receives first downlink broadband signal. First universal remote radio head frequency converts the first downlink broadband signal into first downlink radio frequency signals in first radio frequency band. First universal remote radio head is further configured to transmit first downlink radio frequency signals in first radio frequency band to first subscriber unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/851,391 (hereafter the '391 application)entitled “UNIVERSAL REMOTE RADIO HEAD”, filed on Sep. 11, 2015(currently pending) which is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/187,135 (hereafter the '135 application)entitled “UNIVERSAL REMOTE RADIO HEAD”, filed on Feb. 21, 2014(currently pending) which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/768,038 filed on Feb. 22, 2013, each of whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Distributed base stations systems may include base station basebandsignal processing functionality and base station control functionalityand remote radio heads. Remote radio heads may include radio frequency(RF) transceivers and power amplifiers. In exemplary distributed basestation radio systems, digital baseband data is transported between thebaseband processing unit located in the host unit and the remotelylocated radio frequency (RF) transceivers located at the remote units.In exemplary distributed base station radio systems, the basebandprocessing unit communicates with the remote radio head usingchannelized Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) signals and/or OpenBase Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) signals.

SUMMARY

A distributed base station radio system includes a first channelized tobroadband conversion unit configured to receive first downlinkchannelized data for a first radio frequency band from a firstchannelized radio frequency source; and a first universal remote radiohead communicatively coupled to the first channelized to broadbandconversion unit. The first channelized to broadband conversion unit isfurther configured to convert the first downlink channelized data into afirst downlink broadband signal. The first channelized to broadbandconversion unit is further configured to communicate the first downlinkbroadband signal to the first universal remote radio head. The firstuniversal remote radio head is configured to receive the first downlinkbroadband signal. The first universal remote radio head is furtherconfigured to frequency convert the first downlink broadband signal intofirst downlink radio frequency signals in the first radio frequencyband. The first universal remote radio head is further configured totransmit the first downlink radio frequency signals in the first radiofrequency band to a first subscriber unit.

DRAWINGS

Understanding that the drawings depict only exemplary embodiments andare not therefore to be considered limiting in scope, the exemplaryembodiments will be described with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1B are block diagrams of exemplary embodiments of distributedbase station radio systems;

FIGS. 2A-2C are block diagrams of exemplary embodiments of channelizedbroadband conversion units used in distributed base station radiosystems, such as the exemplary distributed base station radio systems inFIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of other signalsource interfaces used in distributed base station radio systems, suchas the exemplary distributed base station radio systems in FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIGS. 4A-4C are block diagrams of exemplary embodiments of distributedbase station radio switches used in distributed base station radiosystems, such as the exemplary distributed base station radio systems inFIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiments of a universalremote radio head used in a distributed base station radio system, suchas the exemplary distributed base station radio systems in FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIGS. 6A-6E are block diagrams of exemplary embodiments of radiofrequency (RF) conversion modules used in universal remote radio headsof distributed base station radio systems, such as the exemplarydistributed base station radio systems in FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of amethod of operating a distributed base station radio system;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of amethod of operating a distributed base station radio system;

FIG. 9 is flow diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of amethod of operating a universal remote radio head; and

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of amethod of operating a channelized broadband conversion unit.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features arenot drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevantto the exemplary embodiments. Like reference numbers and designations inthe various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific illustrative embodiments. However, it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical,mechanical, and electrical changes may be made. Furthermore, the methodpresented in the drawing figures and the specification is not to beconstrued as limiting the order in which the individual steps may beperformed. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense.

The embodiments described below describe a distributed base stationradio system including at least one channelized broadband conversionunit communicatively coupled to at least one universal remote radiohead. The channelized broadband conversion unit is communicativelycoupled to a channelized radio frequency source, usually at a basestation. In exemplary embodiments, the channelized broadband conversionunit is at least one of a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) basestation interface, an Open Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI)base station interface, and an Open Radio Interface (ORI) base stationinterface. In exemplary embodiments, the channelized broadbandconversion source includes a representation of an individual channel atbaseband. In exemplary embodiments, the channelized broadband conversionunit converts the representation of the individual channel at basebandinto a broadband signal capable of representing a number of individualchannels together in a single broadband signal. A broadband signalincludes individual channels positioned within a set of spectrum thatreflects each channels location within the RF spectrum. When aggregated,the individual channels within the broadband signals do not overlap eachother. This broadband signal has a single center frequency while theindividual channelized signals each have their own center frequency.

This broadband signal is then distributed through a distributed basestation radio switching network to at least one universal remote radiohead. The universal remote radio head is multi-standard and capable ofreceiving the broadband signal and converting it to radio frequency (RF)and transmitting it using at least one antenna. The universal remoteradio head is not specific to a number of channels or an air protocoland does not necessarily require any hardware change when channels areadded or removed, or a new modulation type or air protocol is used. Inexemplary embodiments, a plurality of channelized broadband conversionunits convert a plurality of channelized radio frequency signalsreceived from a plurality of channelized radio frequency sources andrepresenting individual channels into a single broadband signal that istransported through the distributed base station radio switching networkto at least one universal remote radio head that converts the singlebroadband signal into radio frequency (RF) signals and transmits themusing at least one antenna. In exemplary embodiments, the at least oneuniversal remote radio head includes a single digital/analog converterand a single RF converter that can up-convert the entire broadbandsignal into RF spectrum having various channels.

As described herein, channelized signals are specific to a particularchannel. In exemplary embodiments, the channelized signals are basebanddata, such as channelized in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) data. Thechannelized signals are not positioned relative to one another andrequire additional baseband conversion before RF conversion andtransmission can be performed. Specifically, systems that communicatethe channelized signals to remote radio heads will require additionalprocessing at the remote radio head to convert the channelized signalsbefore RF conversion and transmission. Accordingly, the remote radioheads are more complex and less flexible than the universal remote radioheads described below.

In contrast, broadband signals are not specific to a particular channeland may include a number of different channels. The broadband signalsrepresent either digitized or analog spectrum and are one step closer toRF signals than the channelized signals. In exemplary embodiments, thebroadband signal is at an intermediate frequency that maps to a largeportion of RF spectrum including a number of channels. In exemplaryembodiments, the broadband signals can simply be up-converted from theintermediate frequency to radio frequency and transmitted at a universalremote radio head as described below. Thus, the universal remote radioheads do not need the capability of processing channelized signalsbefore RF conversion and transmission. Accordingly, universal remoteradio heads are less complex. In addition, it doesn't matter whatchannels are sent to the universal remote radio heads. In exemplaryembodiments, the universal remote radio head communicates withsubscriber units using a first set of channels at first frequencies anda second set of channels at second frequencies. In exemplaryembodiments, the universal remote radio head communicates usingdifferent modulation and/or radio access technologies simultaneously.

FIG. 1A-1B are block diagrams of exemplary embodiments of distributedbase station radio systems 100. Each of FIGS. 1A-1B illustrates adifferent embodiment of a distributed base station radio system 100,labeled 100A-100B respectively.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a distributedbase station radio system 100, distributed base station radio system100A. Distributed base station radio system 100A includes at least onechannelized broadband conversion unit 102 (including channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102-1 and any number of optional channelizedbroadband conversion units 102 through optional channelized broadbandconversion unit 102-A), at least one universal remote radio head 104(including universal remote radio head 104-1 and any number of optionaluniversal remote radio heads 104 through optional universal remote radiohead 104-B), a distributed base station radio switching network 106, andoptional other signal source interfaces 108 (including any number ofoptional other signal source interfaces 108 such as optional othersignal source interface 108-1 through optional other signal sourceinterface 108-C).

Each channelized broadband conversion unit 102 is communicativelycoupled to a channelized radio frequency source 110 that is configuredto provide a channelized signal representing a single channel to betransported through the distributed base station radio system 100A tothe channelized broadband conversion unit 102-1. In the forward path,each channelized broadband conversion unit 102 is configured to receivea channelized signal representing a single channel from a correspondingchannelized radio frequency source 110. Specifically, channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102-1 is communicatively coupled tochannelized radio frequency source 110-1 and optional channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102-A is communicatively coupled to optionalchannelized radio frequency source 110-A. Each channelized broadbandconversion unit 102 is also communicatively coupled to the distributedbase station radio switching network 106 across a communication link112. Specifically, channelized broadband conversion unit 102-1 iscommunicatively coupled to the distributed base station radio switchingnetwork 106 across communication link 112-1 and optional channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102-A is communicatively coupled to thedistributed base station radio switching network 106 acrosscommunication link 112-A. As described in more detail below, eachchannelized broadband conversion unit 102 is configured to convert achannelized signal from a corresponding channelized radio frequencysource 110 into a downlink broadband signal and further configured tocommunicate the downlink broadband signal to the distributed basestation radio switching network 106 (either directly or through othercomponents of the distributed base station radio system 100A) across arespective communication link 112. Each downlink broadband signalcontains an individual channel that is positioned within a set ofspectrum that reflects its location within the RF spectrum. Said anotherway, the channel in each downlink broadband signal is at a different RFfrequency than the other channels to which it is being aggregated. Thus,when multiple downlink broadband signals are aggregated together, theindividual channels do not overlap each other and all channels can beupconverted together to radio frequency spectrum simultaneously.

Similarly in the reverse path, in exemplary embodiments each channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102 is configured to receive uplink broadbandsignals across a respective communication link 112 from distributed basestation radio switching network 106. Each channelized broadbandconversion unit 102 is further configured to convert the received uplinkbroadband signal to a channelized signal for the correspondingchannelized radio frequency source 110 and is further configured tocommunicate the channelized signal to the corresponding channelizedradio frequency source 110. In exemplary embodiments, the uplinkbroadband signal is an aggregate of the uplink broadband signals from atleast one universal remote radio head 104. For example, the uplinkbroadband signal may be an aggregate of the uplink broadband signalsfrom any number of universal remote radio heads 104.

In exemplary embodiments, the communication links 112 are optical fibersand the communication across the communication links 112 is optical. Inthese embodiments, an electrical to optical conversion occurs at thechannelized broadband conversion units 102. In other embodiments, thecommunication links 112 are conductive cables (such as coaxial cable,twisted pair, etc.) and the communication across the communication links112 is electrical. In exemplary embodiments, the communication acrossthe communication links 112 is analog communication. In other exemplaryembodiments, the communication across the communication links 112 isdigital communication. In exemplary embodiments, any mixture of optical,electrical, analog, and digital communication occurs across thecommunication links 112. In exemplary embodiments, a channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102 may include functionality to convertbetween digital and analog signals.

Distributed base station radio switching network 106 communicativelycouples the at least one channelized broadband conversion unit 102 andthe optional other signal source interfaces 108 with the at least oneuniversal remote radio head 104. Distributed base station radioswitching network 106 may include one or more distributed base stationradio switches or other components that functionally distributesdownlink broadband signals from the at least one channelized broadbandconversion unit 102 to the at least one universal remote radio head 104.In exemplary embodiments, the distributed base station radio switchingnetwork 106 aggregates downlink broadband signals from a plurality ofchannelized broadband conversion units 102 into a single aggregatedownlink broadband signal that is routed to at least one universalremote radio head 104. Distributed base station radio switching network106 also functionally distributes uplink broadband signals from the atleast one universal remote radio head 104 to the at least onechannelized broadband conversion unit 102. In exemplary embodiments, thedistributed base station radio switching network 106 aggregates uplinkbroadband signals from a plurality of universal remote radio heads 104into a single aggregate uplink broadband signal that is routed to atleast one channelized broadband conversion unit 102.

In exemplary embodiments, the communication links 122 between the othersignal source interfaces 108 and the distributed base station radioswitching network 106 are optical fibers and the communication acrossthe communication links 122 are optical. In these embodiments, anelectrical to optical conversion occurs at the other signal sourceinterfaces 108. In other embodiments, the communication links 122 areconductive cables (such as coaxial cable, twisted pair, etc.) and thecommunication across the communication links 122 is electrical. Inexemplary embodiments, the communication across the communication links122 is analog communication. In other exemplary embodiments, thecommunication across the communication links 122 is digitalcommunication. In exemplary embodiments, any mixture of optical,electrical, analog, and digital communication occurs across thecommunication links 122. In exemplary embodiments, an other signalsource interface 108 may include functionality to convert betweendigital and analog signals.

Each universal remote radio head 104 is communicatively coupled to thedistributed base station radio switching network 106 across acommunication link 114. Specifically, universal remote radio head 104-1is communicatively coupled to the distributed base station radioswitching network 106 across communication link 114-1 and optionaluniversal remote radio head 104-B is communicatively coupled to thedistributed base station radio switching network 106 acrosscommunication link 114-B. Each universal remote radio head 104 includescomponents configured for converting between at least one downlinkbroadband signal and at least one radio frequency band signal and atleast one radio frequency antenna 116 configured to transmit and receivesignals in the at least one radio frequency band to/from at least onesubscriber unit 118. In exemplary embodiments, the downlink broadbandsignal is an aggregate of multiple downlink broadband signals each witha channel positioned within a set of spectrum that reflects its locationwithin the RF spectrum. In exemplary embodiments having multipledownlink broadband signals aggregated together, the individual channelscan be converted to the at least one radio frequency band signalssimultaneously.

In the downstream, each universal remote radio head 104 is configured toconvert the at least one downlink broadband signal into a downlink radiofrequency (RF) signal in a radio frequency band. In exemplaryembodiments, this may include digital to analog converters andoscillators. Each universal remote radio head 104 is further configuredto transmit the downlink radio frequency signal in the radio frequencyband to at least one subscriber unit 118 using at least one radiofrequency antenna 116. In a specific exemplary embodiment, universalremote radio head 104-1 is configured to convert the at least onedownlink broadband signal received from the distributed base stationradio switching network 106 into a downlink radio frequency signal in aradio frequency band. Universal remote radio head 104-1 is furtherconfigured to transmit the downlink radio frequency signal in a radiofrequency band using a radio frequency band antenna 116-1 to at leastone subscriber unit 118-1. In exemplary embodiments, universal remoteradio head 104-1 is configured to convert the at least one downlinkbroadband signal received from the distributed base station radioswitching network 106 into a plurality of downlink radio frequencysignals in a plurality of radio frequency bands. In these exemplaryembodiments, universal remote radio head 104-1 is further configured totransmit the plurality of downlink radio frequency signals in theplurality of radio frequency bands using the radio frequency bandantenna 116-1 and optional other radio frequency band antennas 116through optional other radio frequency band antenna 116-D. In exemplaryembodiments, the universal remote radio head 104-1 is configured totransmit one downlink radio frequency signal to one subscriber unit118-1 using an antenna 116-1 and another radio frequency signal to onesubscriber unit 118-E using another antenna 116-D. In exemplaryembodiments, other combinations of radio frequency antennas 116 andother components are used to communicate other combinations of radiofrequency signals in other various radio frequency bands to varioussubscriber units 118, such as but not limited to using multiple antennato communicate with a single subscriber unit 118.

Similarly in the reverse path, in exemplary embodiments, each universalremote radio head 104 is configured to receive uplink radio frequencysignals from at least one subscriber unit 118 using at least one radiofrequency antenna 116. Each universal remote radio head 104 is furtherconfigured to convert the radio frequency signals to at least one uplinkbroadband signal. Each universal remote radio head 104 is furtherconfigured to aggregate the at least one uplink broadband signal into anaggregate uplink broadband signal and further configured to communicatethe aggregate uplink broadband signal across at least one communicationlink 114 to the distributed base station radio switching network. Inexemplary embodiments, universal remote radio heads 104 multiplex uplinksignals in different bands onto the same interface for communication tothe next upstream element. In other exemplary embodiments (such asexample embodiments implementing diversity processing), where theuniversal remote radio head 104 could aggregate (i.e. sum/combine)uplink signals in an intelligent manner. In exemplary embodiments, eachuplink broadband signal contains a channel that is positioned within aset of spectrum that reflects its location within the RF spectrum. Thusand even though the uplink broadband signals that are aggregated willoverlap in frequency spectrum, the individual channels themselves fromthe aggregated uplink broadband signals do not overlap each other whenmultiple uplink broadband signals are aggregated together.

In exemplary embodiments, the communication links 114 are optical fibersand the communication across the communication links 114 is optical. Inthese embodiments, an electrical to optical conversion occurs at theuniversal remote radio heads 104. In other embodiments, thecommunication links 114 are conductive cables (such as coaxial cable,twisted pair, etc.) and the communication across the communication links114 is electrical. In exemplary embodiments, the communication acrossthe communication links 114 is analog communication. In other exemplaryembodiments, the communication across the communication links 114 isdigital communication. In exemplary embodiments, any mixture of optical,electrical, analog, and digital communication occurs across thecommunication links 114. In exemplary embodiments, a universal remoteradio head 104 may include functionality to convert between digital andanalog signals.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a distributedbase station radio system 100, distributed base station radio system100B. Distributed base station radio system 100B includes at least onechannelized broadband conversion unit 102 (including channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102-1 and any number of optional channelizedbroadband conversion units 102 through optional channelized broadbandconversion unit 102-A), at least one universal remote radio head 104(including universal remote radio head 104-1 and any number of optionaluniversal remote radio heads 104 through optional universal remote radiohead 104-B), a distributed base station radio switch 124, and optionalother signal source interfaces 108 (including any number of optionalother signal source interfaces 108 such as optional other signal sourceinterface 108-1 through optional other signal source interface 108-C).Distributed base station radio system 100B includes similar componentsto distributed base station radio system 100A described above andoperates according to similar principles and methods as distributed basestation radio system 100A described above. The difference betweendistributed base station radio system 100B and distributed base stationradio system 100A is that the distributed base station radio switchingnetwork 106 is replaced with a single distributed base station radioswitch 124.

Distributed base station radio switch 124 communicatively couples the atleast one channelized broadband conversion unit 102 and the optionalother signal source interfaces 108 with the at least one universalremote radio head 104. Distributed base station radio switch 124functionally distributes downlink broadband signals from the at leastone channelized broadband conversion unit 102 to the at least oneuniversal remote radio head 104. In exemplary embodiments, thedistributed base station radio switch 124 aggregates downlink broadbandsignals from a plurality of channelized broadband conversion units 102into a single aggregate downlink broadband signal that is routed to atleast one universal remote radio head 104. Distributed base stationradio switch 124 also functionally distributes uplink broadband signalsfrom the at least one universal remote radio head 104 to the at leastone channelized broadband conversion unit 102 and any optionalchannelized broadband conversion units 102 and/or optional other signalsource interfaces 108. In exemplary embodiments, the distributed basestation radio switch 124 aggregates uplink broadband signals from aplurality of universal remote radio heads 104 into a single aggregateuplink broadband signal that is routed to at least one channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102.

FIGS. 2A-2C are block diagrams of exemplary embodiments of channelizedbroadband conversion units 102 used in distributed base station radiosystems, such as the exemplary distributed base station radio system 100described above. Each of FIGS. 2A-2C illustrates a different embodimentof a type of base station network interface 102, labeled 102A-102Crespectively.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102, channelized broadband conversion unit102A. Channelized broadband conversion unit 102A includes channelized tobroadband conversion module 202A, an optional processor 204, optionalmemory 206, and an optional power supply 208. In exemplary embodiments,channelized to broadband conversion module 202A is communicativelycoupled to at least one channelized radio frequency source 110.Channelized to broadband conversion module 202A is also communicativelycoupled to at least one communication link 112. In exemplaryembodiments, the communication link 112 is an optical communication linkacross a fiber optic cable, though it can also be other types of wiredor wireless links in other embodiments. In exemplary embodiments, thechannelized to broadband conversion module 202 is implemented usingoptional processor 204 and optional memory 206. In exemplaryembodiments, the optional power supply 208 provides power to the variouselements of the channelized broadband conversion unit 102A.

In the downlink, channelized to broadband conversion module 202A isconfigured to receive a channelized downlink signal from the channelizedradio frequency source 110A. The channelized to broadband conversionmodule 202A is further configured to convert the channelized downlinksignal to a downlink broadband signal. In exemplary embodiments, thechannelized to broadband conversion module 202 (or another additionalcomponent) further converts the downlink broadband signal fromelectrical signals to optical signals for output on an opticalcommunication link 112. In other embodiments, the downlink broadbandsignal is transported using a conductive communication medium, such ascoaxial cable or twisted pair, and the optical conversion is notnecessary. In exemplary embodiments, the channelized to broadbandconversion module 202 (or another additional component) further convertsbetween digital and analog signals as required.

In the uplink, channelized to broadband conversion module 202A isconfigured to receive an uplink broadband signal from communication link112. In exemplary embodiments where communication link 112 is an opticalmedium, the channelized to broadband conversion module 202A (or anotheradditional component) is configured to convert the uplink broadbandsignal between received optical signals and electrical signals. In otherembodiments, the uplink broadband signal is transported using aconductive communication medium, such as coaxial cable or twisted pair,and the optical conversion is not necessary. In exemplary embodiments,the channelized to broadband conversion module 202 (or anotheradditional component) further converts between digital and analogsignals as required. The channelized to broadband conversion module 202Ais further configured to convert the uplink broadband signal to at leastone uplink channelized signal. Channelized to broadband conversionmodule 202A is further configured to communicate the uplink channelizedsignals to the channelized radio frequency source 110A.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102, Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI)broadband conversion unit 102B. CPRI broadband conversion unit 102Bincludes Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) to broadband conversionmodule 202B, an optional processor 204, optional memory 206, and anoptional power supply 208. CPRI broadband conversion unit 102B includessimilar components to channelized broadband conversion unit 102A andoperates according to similar principles and methods as channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102A. The difference between CPRI broadbandconversion unit 102B and the channelized broadband conversion unit 102Ais that the CPRI broadband conversion unit 102B is CPRI specific andincludes the CPRI to broadband conversion module 202B that iscommunicatively coupled to at least one Common Public Radio Interface(CPRI) source 110B. CPRI broadband conversion unit 102B converts betweenCPRI channelized signals and broadband signals. In the downlink, CPRIbroadband conversion unit 102B converts downlink CPRI channelizedsignals into a downlink broadband signal. In the uplink, CPRI broadbandconversion unit 102B converts an uplink broadband signal into uplinkCPRI channelized signals.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102, Open Base Station Architecture Initiative(OBSAI) broadband conversion unit 102C. OBSAI broadband conversion unit102C includes Open Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) tobroadband conversion module 202C, an optional processor 204, optionalmemory 206, and an optional power supply 208. OBSAI broadband conversionunit 102C includes similar components to channelized broadbandconversion unit 102A and operates according to similar principles andmethods as channelized broadband conversion unit 102A. The differencebetween OBSAI broadband conversion unit 102C and the channelizedbroadband conversion unit 102A is that the OBSAI broadband conversionunit 102C is OBSAI specific and includes the OBSAI to broadbandconversion module 202C that is communicatively coupled to at least oneOpen Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) source 110C. OBSAIbroadband conversion unit 102C converts between OBSAI channelizedsignals and broadband signals. In the downlink, OBSAI broadbandconversion unit 102C converts downlink OBSAI channelized signals into adownlink broadband signal. In the uplink, OBSAI broadband conversionunit 102C converts an uplink broadband signal into uplink OBSAIchannelized signals.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of other signalsource interface 108 used in distributed base station radio systems,such as the exemplary distributed base station radio system 100. Othersignal source interface 108 includes a signal source to broadband signalconversion module 302, an optional processor 304, optional memory 306,and an optional power supply 308. In exemplary embodiments, signalsource to broadband conversion module 302 is communicatively coupled toat least one other signal source 120. Signal source to broadbandconversion module 302 is also communicatively coupled to at least onecommunication link 122. In exemplary embodiments, the communication link122 is an optical communication link across a fiber optic cable, thoughit can also be other types of wired or wireless links in otherembodiments. In exemplary embodiments, the signal source to broadbandconversion module 302 is implemented using optional processor 304 andoptional memory 306. In exemplary embodiments, the optional power supply308 provides power to the various elements of the other signal sourceinterface 302.

In the downlink, signal source to broadband conversion module 302 isconfigured to receive a downlink signal from the other signal source120. The signal source to broadband signal conversion module 302 isfurther configured to convert the downlink signal to a downlinkbroadband signal. In exemplary embodiments, the signal source tobroadband signal conversion module 302 (or another additional component)is further configured to convert the downlink broadband signal fromelectrical signals to optical signals for output on an opticalcommunication link 122. In other embodiments, the downlink broadbandsignal is transported using a conductive communication medium, such ascoaxial cable or twisted pair, and the optical conversion is notnecessary. In exemplary embodiments, the signal source to broadbandsignal conversion module 302 (or another additional component) furtherconverts between digital and analog signals as required.

In the uplink, signal source to broadband signal conversion module 302is configured to receive an uplink broadband signal from communicationlink 122. In exemplary embodiments where communication link 122 is anoptical medium, the signal source to broadband signal conversion module302 (or another additional component) is configured to convert theuplink broadband signal between received optical signals and electricalsignals. In other embodiments, the uplink broadband signal istransported using a conductive communication medium, such as coaxialcable or twisted pair, and the optical conversion is not necessary. Inexemplary embodiments, the signal source to broadband signal conversionmodule 302 (or another additional component) further converts betweendigital and analog signals as required. The signal source to broadbandsignal conversion module 302 is further configured to convert the uplinkbroadband signal to at least one uplink signal. Signal source tobroadband signal conversion module 302 is further configured tocommunicate the uplink signals to the other signal source 120.

FIGS. 4A-4C are block diagrams of exemplary embodiments of distributedbase station radio switch 124 used in distributed base station radiosystems, such as the exemplary distributed base station radio system 100described above. Each of FIGS. 4A-4C illustrates a different embodimentof distributed base station radio system 100, labeled distributed basestation radio switch 124A-124C respectively.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an exemplary distributed base stationradio switch 124A including a routing unit 402, at least oneelectro-optical conversion module 404-1 (including electro-opticalconversion module 404-1 and any amount of optional electro-opticalconversion modules 404 through electro-optical conversion module 404-A),at least one electro-optical conversion module 406-1 (includingelectro-optical conversion module 406-1 through optional electro-opticalconversion module 406-B), and optional electro-optical conversionmodules 408-1 (including optional electro-optical conversion module408-1 through optional electro-optical conversion module 408-C). Inexemplary embodiments, the routing unit 402 and/or at least a portion ofany of electro-optical conversion modules 404, electro-opticalconversion modules 406, and electro-optical conversion modules 408 areimplemented using optional processor 410 and memory 412. In exemplaryembodiments, the distributed base station radio switch 124A includesoptional power supply 414 to power the various components of thedistributed base station radio switch 124A.

Each electro-optical conversion module 404 is communicatively coupled toa channelized broadband conversion unit 102 across a communication link112. In the forward path, each electro-optical conversion module 404 isconfigured to receive a downlink broadband signal from at least onechannelized broadband conversion unit 102 across a communication link112. Specifically, electro-optical conversion module 404-1 is configuredto receive a downlink broadband signal from the channelized broadbandconversion unit 102-1 across communication link 112-1 and optionalelectro-optical conversion module 404-A is configured to receive adownlink broadband signal from the optional channelized broadbandconversion unit 102-A across optional communication link 112-A. Eachelectro-optical conversion module 404 is configured to convert thedownlink broadband signal from optical to electrical signals, which arethen passed onto the routing unit 402. Similarly in the reverse path, inexemplary embodiments each electro-optical conversion module 404 isconfigured to receive an uplink broadband signal in an electrical formatfrom the routing unit 402 and to convert the uplink broadband signal toan optical format for communication across a communication link 112 to achannelized broadband conversion unit 102. In exemplary embodiments, theelectro-optical conversion module 404 (or another additional component)further converts between digital and analog signals as required.

Each optional electro-optical conversion module 408 is communicativelycoupled to an optional other signal source interface 108 across acommunication link 122. In the forward path, each electro-opticalconversion module 408 is configured to receive a downlink broadbandsignal from at least one other signal source interface 108 across acommunication link 122. Specifically, optional electro-opticalconversion module 408-1 is configured to receive a downlink broadbandsignal from the optional other signal source interface 108-1 acrossoptional communication link 122-1 and optional electro-opticalconversion module 408-C is configured to receive a downlink broadbandsignal from the optional other signal source interface 108-C acrossoptional communication link 122-C. Each electro-optical conversionmodule 408 is configured to convert the downlink broadband signal fromoptical to electrical signals, which are then passed onto the routingunit 402. Similarly in the reverse path, in exemplary embodiments eachelectro-optical conversion module 408 is configured to receive an uplinkbroadband signal in an electrical format from the routing unit 402 andto convert the uplink broadband signal to an optical format forcommunication across a communication link 112 to an other signal sourceinterface 108. In exemplary embodiments, the electro-optical conversionmodule 408 (or another additional component) further converts betweendigital and analog signals as required.

The routing unit 402 is communicatively coupled between at least oneelectro-optical conversion module 404 and optional electro-opticalconversion module 408 and at least one electro-optical conversion module406. The routing unit 402 routes downlink broadband signals and uplinkbroadband signals between various electro-optical conversion modules404, electro-optical conversion modules 408, and electro-opticalconversion modules 406. In the forward path, the routing unit 402receives downlink broadband signals for at least one electro-opticalconversion module 404 and any optional electro-optical conversionmodules 408 and routes these downlink broadband signals to at least oneelectro-optical conversion module 406 (such as electro-opticalconversion module 406-1) for eventual transmission to a universal remoteradio head 104.

In exemplary embodiments, this routing includes aggregation of aplurality of downlink broadband signals from a plurality ofelectro-optical conversion modules 404 and/or electro-optical conversionmodules 408 into a single downlink broadband signal that is passed to atleast one electro-optical conversion module 406. In exemplaryembodiments, the same or different downlink aggregate broadband signalsare routed to a plurality of electro-optical conversion modules 406. Insome embodiments, the routing unit 402 is configured to aggregate androute downlink broadband signals from a first subset of channelizedbroadband conversion units 102 and/or other signal source interfaces 108into a first downlink aggregate broadband signal that is transferred toat least a first universal remote radio head 104-1 via electro-opticalconversion module 406-1 and communication link 114-1 and is furtherconfigured to aggregate and route downlink broadband signals from asecond subset of channelized broadband conversion units 102 and/or othersignal source interfaces 108 into a second downlink aggregate broadbandsignal that is transferred to at least a second universal remote radiohead 104-B via electro-optical conversion module 406-B and communicationlink 114-B. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second subsetspartially overlap. In other exemplary embodiments, the first and secondsubsets are identical. In other exemplary embodiments, downlinkbroadband signals from greater number of subsets of channelizedbroadband conversion units 102 and other signal source interfaces 108are aggregated and transferred to the universal remote radio head 104.

In exemplary embodiments, this routing includes separation of a singleaggregate downlink broadband signal from a single electro-opticalconversion module 404 into a plurality of downlink broadband signalsthat are passed to a plurality of electro-optical conversion modules406. In exemplary embodiments, the same or different downlink broadbandsignals are routed to a plurality of electro-optical conversion modules406. In some embodiments, the routing unit 402 is configured to separateand route downlink broadband signals destined for a first subset ofuniversal remote radio heads 104 from a first downlink aggregatebroadband signal received from a single channelized broadband conversionunit 102 (such as channelized broadband conversion unit 102-1) and isfurther configured to separate and route downlink broadband signalsdestined for a second subset of universal remote radio heads 104 from asecond downlink aggregate broadband signal received from a secondchannelized broadband conversion unit 102 (such as channelized broadbandconversion unit 102-A). In exemplary embodiments, the first and secondsubsets partially overlap. In other exemplary embodiments, the first andsecond subsets are identical. In other exemplary embodiments, downlinkbroadband signals are destined to greater number of subsets of universalremote radio heads 104.

Similarly in the reverse path, the routing unit 402 receives at leastone uplink broadband signal from at least one electro-optical conversionmodule 406 (such as electro-optical conversion module 406-1) from auniversal remote radio head 104 and routes the at least one uplinkbroadband signal to at least one electro-optical conversion module 404(such as electro-optical conversion module 404-1) for eventualcommunication to a channelized broadband conversion unit 102. Inexemplary embodiments, this routing includes aggregation of a pluralityof uplink broadband signals from a plurality of electro-opticalconversion modules 406 into a single uplink broadband signal that ispassed to at least one electro-optical conversion module 404. Inexemplary embodiments, the same or different uplink aggregate broadbandsignals are routed to a plurality of electro-optical conversion modules404 and/or optional electro-optical conversion modules 408. In someembodiments, the routing unit 402 is configured to aggregate and routeuplink broadband signals from a first subset of universal remote radioheads 104 into a first uplink aggregate broadband signal that istransferred to at least a first channelized broadband conversion unit102-1 via electro-optical conversion module 404-1 and communication link112-1 and is further configured to aggregate and route uplink broadbandsignals from a second subset of universal remote radio heads 104 into asecond uplink aggregate broadband signal that is transferred to at leasta second channelized broadband conversion unit 102-A via secondelectro-optical conversion module 404-A and communication link 112-A. Inexemplary embodiments, the first and second subsets partially overlap.In other exemplary embodiments, the first and second subsets areidentical. In other exemplary embodiments, uplink broadband signals areaggregated and/or routed from a greater number of subsets of universalremote radio heads 104.

In exemplary embodiments, this routing includes separation of a singleaggregate uplink broadband signal from a single universal remote radiohead 104 into a plurality of uplink broadband signals that are passed toa plurality of electro-optical conversion modules 404 and/orelectro-optical conversion modules 208-1. In exemplary embodiments, thesame or different uplink broadband signals are routed to a plurality ofelectro-optical conversion modules 404. In some embodiments, the routingunit 402 is configured to separate and route uplink broadband signalsdestined for a first set of channelized broadband conversion units 102from a first aggregate uplink broadband signal received from a singleuniversal remote radio head 104 (such as universal remote radio head104-1) and is further configured to separate and route uplink broadbandsignals destined for a second subset of channelized broadband conversionunits 102 from a second aggregate uplink broadband signal received froma second universal remote radio head 104 (such as universal remote radiohead 104-B). In exemplary embodiments, the first and second subsetspartially overlap. In other exemplary embodiments, the first and secondsubsets are identical. In other exemplary embodiments, uplink broadbandsignals are destined to greater number of subsets of channelizedbroadband conversion units 102 and/or other signal source interfaces108.

In exemplary embodiments, this routing includes aggregation of aplurality of uplink broadband signals from a plurality of universalremote radio heads 104 via a plurality of electro-optical conversionmodules 406 into a single aggregate uplink broadband signal that ispassed to at least one channelized broadband conversion unit 102 throughat least one electro-optical conversion module 404. In exemplaryembodiments, the same or different uplink aggregate broadband signalsare routed to a plurality of electro-optical conversion modules 406. Insome embodiments, the routing unit 402 is configured to aggregate androute uplink broadband signals from a first subset of universal remoteradio heads 104 into a first uplink aggregate broadband signal that istransferred to at least a first channelized broadband conversion unit102-1 via electro-optical conversion module 404-1 and communication link112-1 and is further configured to aggregate and route uplink broadbandsignals from a second subset of universal remote radio heads 104 into asecond uplink aggregate broadband signal that is transferred to at leasta second channelized broadband conversion unit 102-A via electro-opticalconversion module 404-A and communication link 112-A. In exemplaryembodiments, the first and second subsets partially overlap. In otherexemplary embodiments, the first and second subsets are identical. Inother exemplary embodiments, uplink broadband signals from a greaternumber of subsets of universal remote radio heads 104 are aggregated andtransferred to channelized broadband conversion units 102 and othersignal source interfaces 108.

The electrical and optical signals communicated between the channelizedbroadband conversion units 102, other signal source interfaces 108,universal remote radio heads 104, the distributed base station radioswitch 124A, and within the distributed base station radio switch 124Acan be any combination of digital and analog signals. In exemplaryembodiments, these electrical signals are digital signals. In otherexemplary embodiments, these electrical signals are analog signals. Inother exemplary embodiments, these electrical signals include acombination of digital and analog signals. In exemplary implementations,the communication between one or more channelized broadband conversionunits 102 and the distributed base station radio switch 124A is digitaland the communication between the distributed base station radio switch124A and one or more universal remote radio heads 104 is analog. Inexemplary implementations, the communication between one or morechannelized broadband conversion units 102 and the distributed basestation radio switch 124A is analog and the communication between thedistributed base station radio switch 124A and one or more universalremote radio heads 104 is digital. In exemplary implementations, thecommunication between a first subset of the channelized broadbandconversion units 102 and/or other signal source interfaces 108 and thedistributed base station radio switch 124A is digital and thecommunication between a second subset of the channelized broadbandconversion units 102 and/or other signal source interfaces 108 and thedistributed base station radio switch 124A is analog. In exemplaryimplementations, the communication between the distributed base stationradio switch 124A and a first set of universal remote radio heads 104 isdigital while the communication between the distributed base stationradio switch 124A and a second set of universal remote radio heads 104is analog. Accordingly, in exemplary embodiments the routing unit 402includes functionality to convert between digital and analog signals asappropriate.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of an exemplary distributed base stationradio switch 124B including a routing unit 402. In exemplaryembodiments, the routing unit 402 is implemented using optionalprocessor 410 and memory 412. Exemplary distributed base station radioswitch 124B includes similar components to distributed base stationradio switch 124A and operates according to similar principles andmethods as distributed base station radio switch 124A described above.The difference between distributed base station radio switch 124B anddistributed base station radio switch 124A is that distributed basestation radio switch 124B does not include any electro-opticalconversion modules because the signals between the channelized broadbandconversion units 102, the other signal source interfaces 108, and theuniversal remote radio heads 104 are communicated as electrical signalsand not optical signals and do not need to be converted to and fromoptical signals. As described above, these electrical and opticalsignals can be any combination of digital and analog signals.

FIG. 4C is a block diagram of an exemplary distributed base stationradio switch 124C including a routing unit 402 and at least oneelectro-optical conversion module 406 (including electro-opticalconversion module 406-1 and any amount of optional electro-opticalconversion modules 406 through electro-optical conversion module 406-B).In exemplary embodiments, the routing unit 402 and/or some portion ofthe functionality of at least one electro-optical conversion module 406is implemented using optional processor 410 and memory 412. Exemplarydistributed base station radio switch 124C includes similar componentsto distributed base station radio switch 124A and operates according tosimilar principles and methods as distributed base station radio switch124A described above. The difference between distributed base stationradio switch 124C and distributed base station radio switch 124A is thatdistributed base station radio switch 124C does not includeelectro-optical conversion modules 404 between the channelized broadbandconversion units 102 and the routing unit 402 or the other signal sourceinterfaces 108 and the routing unit 402 because the signals betweenrouting unit 402, the channelized broadband conversion units 102, andthe other signal source interfaces 108 are communicated as electricalsignals and are not optical signals and do not need to be converted toand from optical signals. As described above, these electrical andoptical signals can be any combination of digital and analog signals.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a universalremote radio head 104 used in a distributed base station radio system100. The universal remote radio head 104 includes a multiplexing unit502, at least one radio frequency (RF) conversion module 504-1(including RF conversion module 504-1 and any amount of optional RFconversion modules 504 through optional conversion module 504-C),optional electro-optical conversion module 506, optional Ethernetinterface 508, optional processor 510, optional memory 512, and optionalpower supply 514. In exemplary embodiments, multiplexing unit 502, atleast one RF conversion module 504, optional electro-optical conversionmodule 506, and/or optional Ethernet interface 508 are implemented atleast in part by optional processor 510 and memory 512 of universalremote radio head 104. In exemplary embodiments, the optional powersupply 514 powers the various components of universal remote radio head105.

The optional electro-optical conversion module 506 is communicativelycoupled to the universal remote radio head switching network 106 acrossa communication link 114. In the forward path, the optionalelectro-optical conversion module 506 is configured to receive adownlink broadband signal from the distributed base station radioswitching network 106 and/or the distributed base station radio switch124 across a communication link 114. The optional electro-opticalconversion module 506 is configured to convert the downlink broadbandsignal from optical to electrical format, which is then passed onto themultiplexing unit 502. Similarly, in the reverse path, in exemplaryembodiments the optional electro-optical conversion module 506 isconfigured to receive an uplink broadband signal from the multiplexingunit 502. The optional electro-optical conversion module 506 is furtherconfigured to convert the uplink broadband signal from electrical tooptical format, which is then passed onto the distributed base stationradio switching network 106 and/or the distributed base station radioswitch 124 across the communication link 114. In exemplary embodiments,more than one electro-optical conversion module 506 is coupled acrossmore than one communication link 114 to the same distributed basestation radio switch 124, an intermediary device, and/or anotherdistributed base station radio switch 124. In exemplary embodiments thatdo not include the electro-optical conversion module 506, the signalscommunicated between the universal remote radio head 104 and thedistributed base station radio switching network 106 and/or thedistributed base station radio switch 124 are electrical signals and donot require any conversion between optical and electrical. In exemplaryembodiments, the electro-optical conversion module 506 (or anotheradditional component) further converts between digital and analogsignals as required.

The multiplexing unit 502 is communicatively coupled between theelectro-optical conversion module 506 and/or the distributed basestation radio switching network 106 and the at least one RF conversionmodule 504 and the optional Ethernet interface 508. In the forward path,the multiplexing unit 502 is configured to receive a downlink broadbandsignal from the distributed base station radio switching network 106and/or a distributed base station radio switch 124 directly or via theoptional electro-optical conversion module 506. In exemplaryembodiments, the multiplexing unit 502 simulcasts the broadband signalto each RF conversion module 504. In other embodiments, the multiplexingunit 502 splits apart individual downlink broadband signals from adownlink aggregate broadband signal and passes them to a plurality of RFconversion modules 504. In exemplary embodiments, one of the downlinkbroadband signals communicated to one of the RF conversion modules 504pertains to a first mobile access band and/or technology while anotherdownlink broadband signal communicated to another one of the RFconversion modules 504 pertains to a second mobile access band and/ortechnology. In exemplary embodiments, the multiplexing unit 502 splitsoff a signal and communicates it to the Ethernet interface 508. Inexemplary embodiments, other types of data are carried in the downlinkbroadband signals.

Similarly in the reverse path, the multiplexing unit 502 is configuredto receive upstream signals from various radio frequency (RF) conversionmodules 504 and is further configured to multiplex a plurality ofupstream signals into a single uplink broadband signal. In exemplaryembodiments, the multiplexing unit 502 is configured to aggregate aplurality of upstream signals from various radio frequency (RF)conversion modules 504 into a single uplink broadband signal. Themultiplexing unit 502 is further configured to communicate the uplinkbroadband signal to distributed base station radio switching network 106and/or the distributed base station radio switch 124 directly or via theoptional electro-optical conversion module 506.

Each RF conversion module 504 is communicatively coupled to themultiplexing unit 502 and is coupled to and/or includes at least oneantenna 116. Each RF conversion module 504 is configured to convertbetween at least one downlink broadband signal and radio frequencysignals in at least one radio frequency band. Each RF conversion moduleis configured to communicate radio frequency signals in the at least oneradio frequency band across an air medium with at least one subscriberusing at least one antenna 116.

In the downstream, each RF conversion module 504 is configured toconvert at least one downlink signal into a downlink radio frequency(RF) signal in a radio frequency band. In exemplary embodiments, thismay include digital to analog converters and oscillators. Each RFconversion module 504 is further configured to transmit the downlinkradio frequency signals in the radio frequency band to at least onesubscriber unit 118 using at least one antenna 116. In a specificembodiment, radio frequency conversion module 504-1 is configured toconvert at least one downlink broadband signal into a downlink radiofrequency signal in a radio frequency band. Each RF conversion module504 is further configured to transmit the downlink radio frequencysignal in a radio frequency band using a radio frequency antenna 116-1to at least one wireless subscriber unit. In exemplary embodiments,radio frequency conversion module 504-1 is configured to convert a firstdownlink signal into a first downlink radio frequency signal in a firstradio frequency band and to transmit the first downlink radio frequencysignal in the first radio frequency band to at least one wirelesssubscriber using the antenna 116-1. Similarly, radio frequencyconversion module 504-2 is configured to convert a second downlinkbroadband signal into a second downlink radio frequency signal in asecond radio frequency band and to transmit the second downlink radiofrequency signal in the second radio frequency band to at least onewireless subscriber unit 118 using the antenna 116-2. In exemplaryembodiments, one radio frequency conversion module 504-1 and antenna116-1 pair transports to a first set of wireless subscriber units 118 ina first band and another radio frequency conversion module 504-C andantenna 116-C pair transports to a second set of wireless subscriberunits 118 in a second band. Other combinations of radio frequencyconversion module 504 and antenna 116 pairs are used to communicateother combinations of radio frequency signals in other various radiofrequency bands to various subscriber units 118, such as but not limitedto MIMO or carrier aggregation where signals from multiple antennas goto a single subscriber unit 118.

Similarly in the reverse path, in exemplary embodiments each RFconversion module 504 is configured to receive uplink radio frequencysignals from at least one subscriber unit 118 using at least one radiofrequency antenna 116. Each radio frequency conversion module 504 isfurther configured to convert the radio frequency signals to at leastone uplink broadband signal. Each radio frequency conversion module 504is further configured to communicate the uplink broadband signal to thebroadband signal multiplexing unit 502.

FIGS. 6A-6E are block diagrams of exemplary embodiments of radiofrequency (RF) conversion modules of remote antenna units 106 used indistributed antenna systems, such as exemplary distributed antennasystem 100 described above. Each of FIGS. 6A-6E illustrates a differentembodiment of RF conversion module 504, labeled RF conversion module504A-504E respectively.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of an exemplary RF conversion module 504Aincluding an optional signal stream conditioner 602, an RF frequencyconverter 604, an optional RF conditioner 606, and an RF duplexer 608coupled to a single antenna 116.

The optional signal conditioner 602 is communicatively coupled to amultiplexing unit 502 and the radio frequency (RF) converter 604. In theforward path, the optional signal conditioner 602 conditions thedownlink broadband signal (for example, through amplification,attenuation, and filtering) received from the remote multiplexing unit502 and passes the downlink signal to the RF converter 604. In thereverse path, the optional signal conditioner 602 conditions the uplinkbroadband signal (for example, through amplification, attenuation, andfiltering) received from the RF converter 604 and passes the uplinkbroadband signal to the remote multiplexing unit 502.

The RF converter 604 is communicatively coupled to either themultiplexing unit 502 or the optional signal conditioner 602 on one sideand to either RF duplexer 608 or the optional RF conditioner 606 on theother side. In the downstream, the RF converter 604 converts a downlinkbroadband signal to downlink radio frequency (RF) signals and passes thedownlink RF signals onto either the RF duplexer 608 or the optional RFconditioner 606. In the upstream, the RF converter 604 converts uplinkradio frequency (RF) signals received from either the RF duplexer 608 orthe optional RF conditioner 606 to an uplink broadband signal and passesthe uplink broadband signal to either the multiplexing unit 502 or theoptional signal conditioner 602.

The optional RF conditioner 606 is communicatively coupled between theRF converter 604 and the RF duplexer 608. In exemplary embodiments, theRF conditioner 606 performs gain adjustment and filtering on thedownstream and upstream RF signals.

The RF duplexer 608 is communicatively coupled to either the RFfrequency converter 604 or the optional RF conditioner 606 on one sideand the antenna 116 on the other side. The RF duplexer 608 duplexes thedownlink RF signals with the uplink RF signals fortransmission/reception using the antenna 116.

FIG. 6B is a block diagram of an exemplary RF conversion module 504Bincluding an optional signal conditioner 602, an RF frequency converter604, an optional RF conditioner 606 coupled to a downlink antenna 116Aand an uplink antenna 116B. RF conversion module 504B includes similarcomponents to RF conversion module 504A and operates according tosimilar principles and methods as RF conversion module 504A describedabove. The difference between RF conversion module 504B and RFconversion module 504A is that RF conversion module 504B does notinclude RF duplexer 608 and instead includes separate downlink antenna116A used to transmit RF signals to at least one subscriber unit 118 anduplink antenna 116B used to receive RF signals from at least onesubscriber unit 118.

FIG. 6C is a block diagram of an exemplary RF conversion module 504C-1and exemplary RF conversion module 504C-2 that share a single antenna116 through an RF diplexer 610. The RF conversion module 504C-1 includesan optional signal conditioner 602-1 an RF frequency converter 604-1, anoptional RF conditioner 606-1, and an RF duplexer 608-1 communicativelycoupled to RF diplexer 610 that is communicatively coupled to antenna116. Similarly, the RF conversion module 504C-2 includes an optionalsignal conditioner 602-2, an RF frequency converter 604-2, an optionalRF conditioner 606-2, and an RF duplexer 608-2 communicatively coupledto RF diplexer 610 that is communicatively coupled to antenna 116. Eachof RF conversion module 504C-1 and 504C-2 operate according to similarprinciples and methods as RF conversion module 504A described above. Thedifference between RF conversion modules 504C-1 and 504C-2 and RFconversion module 504A is that RF conversion modules 504C-1 and 504C-2are both coupled to a single antenna 116 through RF diplexer 610. The RFdiplexer 610 diplexes the duplexed downlink and uplink signals for bothRF conversion module 504C-1 and 504C-2 for transmission/reception usingthe single antenna 116.

FIG. 6D is a block diagram of an exemplary RF conversion module 504Dincluding an optional signal conditioner 602, an RF frequency converter604, an optional RF conditioner 606, and a time division duplexing (TDD)switch 612 coupled to an antenna 116. RF conversion module 504D includessimilar components to RF conversion module 504A and operates accordingto similar principles and methods as RF conversion module 504A describedabove. The difference between RF conversion module 504D and RFconversion module 504A is that RF conversion module 504D does notinclude RF duplexer 608 and instead includes the TDD switch 612 thatallows the RF conversion module 504D to switch between transmit andreceive modes at different times based on a TDD signal that can besupplied from other components in the system.

FIG. 6E is a block diagram of an exemplary RF conversion module 504E-1and exemplary RF conversion module 504E-2 that share a single antenna116 through an RF diplexer 610. The RF conversion module 504E-1 includesan optional signal conditioner 602-1, an RF frequency converter 604-1,an optional RF conditioner 606-1, and a TDD switch 612-1 communicativelycoupled to RF diplexer 610 that is communicatively coupled to antenna116. Similarly, the RF conversion module 504E-2 includes an optionalsignal conditioner 602-2, an RF frequency converter 604-2, an optionalRF conditioner 606-2, and a TDD switch 612-2 communicatively coupled toRF diplexer 610 that is communicatively coupled to antenna 116. Each ofRF conversion module 504E-1 and 504E-2 operate according to similarprinciples and methods as RF conversion modules 504C-1 and 504C-2described above. The difference between RF conversion modules 504E-1 and504E-2 and RF conversion modules 504C-1 and 504C-2 is that RF conversionmodules 504E-1 and 504E-2 do not include RF duplexers 608-1 and 608-2and instead include TDD switches 612-1 and 612-2 that allow the RFconversion modules 504E-1 and 504E-2 to switch between transmit andreceive modes based on TDD signals that can be supplied from othercomponents in the system.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of amethod 700 of operating a distributed base station radio system.Exemplary method 700 begins at block 702 with receiving a first downlinkchannelized signal for a first radio frequency band from a firstchannelized radio frequency source at a first channelized to broadbandconversion unit. In exemplary embodiments, the channelized radiofrequency source is a base band unit of a wireless access base station.In exemplary embodiments, the first channelized radio frequency sourceis at least one of a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) base stationinterface and an Open Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) basestation interface. In exemplary embodiments, the first downlinkchannelized data is formatted according to at least one of a CommonPublic Radio Interface (CPRI) standard and an Open Base StationArchitecture Initiative (OBSAI) standard. Exemplary method 700 proceedsto block 704 with converting the first downlink channelized signal intoa first downlink broadband signal at the first channelized to broadbandconversion unit. Exemplary method 700 proceeds to block 706 withcommunicating the first downlink broadband signal to a first universalremote radio head from the first channelized to broadband conversionunit 706. Exemplary method 700 proceeds to block 708 with frequencyconverting the first downlink broadband signal into a first downlinkradio frequency signal at the first universal remote radio head.Exemplary method 700 proceeds to block 710 with transmitting a firstdownlink radio frequency signal in the first radio frequency band to afirst subscriber unit at the first universal remote radio head.

In exemplary embodiments, the method 700 further includes receivingsecond downlink channelized data for a second radio frequency band froma second channelized radio frequency source at a second channelized tobroadband conversion unit. In exemplary embodiments, the method 700further includes receiving the first downlink broadband signal from thefirst channelized to broadband conversion unit at a switch; receivingthe second downlink broadband signal from the second channelized tobroadband conversion unit at the switch; aggregating the first downlinkbroadband signal with the second downlink broadband signal into anaggregate downlink broadband signal; and communicating the aggregatedownlink broadband signal from the switch to the first universal remoteradio head.

In exemplary embodiments, the method 700 further includes extracting thefirst downlink broadband signal from the aggregate downlink broadbandsignal at the first universal remote radio head.

In exemplary embodiments, the method 700 further includes receivingsecond downlink channelized data for a second radio frequency band froma second channelized radio frequency source at a second channelized tobroadband conversion unit; converting the second downlink channelizeddata into a second downlink broadband signal; communicating the seconddownlink broadband signal to the first universal remote radio head fromthe second channelized to broadband conversion unit; frequencyconverting the second downlink broadband signal into second downlinkradio frequency signals in the second radio frequency band at the firstuniversal remote radio head; and transmitting the second downlink radiofrequency signals in the second radio frequency band to at least onesubscriber unit at the first universal remote radio head.

In implementations, frequency converting the first downlink broadbandsignal into first downlink radio frequency signals in the first radiofrequency band occurs at a first frequency converter of the firstuniversal remote radio head; frequency converting the second downlinkbroadband signal into second downlink radio frequency signals in thesecond radio frequency band occurs at a second frequency converter ofthe first universal remote radio head; transmitting the first downlinkradio frequency signals in the first radio frequency band to a firstsubscriber unit at the first universal remote radio head occurs at afirst power amplifier, radio frequency transceiver, and antenna set ofthe first universal remote radio head; and transmitting the seconddownlink radio frequency signals in the second radio frequency band toat least one subscriber unit at the first universal remote radio headoccurs at a second power amplifier, radio frequency transceiver, andantenna set of the first universal remote radio head.

In implementations, frequency converting the first downlink broadbandsignal into first downlink radio frequency signals in the first radiofrequency band occurs at a first frequency converter of the firstuniversal remote radio head; frequency converting the second downlinkbroadband signal into second downlink radio frequency signals in thesecond radio frequency band occurs at a second frequency converter ofthe first universal remote radio head; and transmitting both the firstdownlink radio frequency signals in the first radio frequency band andthe second downlink radio frequency signals in the second radiofrequency band occurs at a single power amplifier, radio frequencytransceiver, and antenna set.

In implementations, frequency converting both the first downlinkbroadband signal into the first downlink radio frequency signals in thefirst radio frequency band and the second downlink broadband signalsinto the second downlink radio frequency signals in the second radiofrequency band occurs at a single radio frequency converter; andtransmitting both the first downlink radio frequency signals in thefirst radio frequency band and the second downlink radio frequencysignals in the second radio frequency band occurs at a single poweramplifier, radio frequency transceiver, and antenna set.

In exemplary embodiments, the method 700 further includes receivingsecond downlink channelized data for a second radio frequency band froma second channelized radio frequency source at a second channelized tobroadband conversion unit; converting the second downlink channelizeddata into a second downlink broadband signal; communicating the seconddownlink broadband signal to a second universal remote radio head fromthe second channelized to broadband conversion unit; frequencyconverting the second downlink broadband signal into second downlinkradio frequency signals in the second radio frequency band at the seconduniversal remote radio head; and transmitting the second downlink radiofrequency signals in the second radio frequency band to at least onesubscriber unit at the second universal remote radio head.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of amethod 800 of operating a distributed base station radio system.Exemplary method 800 begins at block 802 with receiving a first uplinkradio frequency signal in a first radio frequency band from a firstsubscriber unit at a first universal remote radio head. Exemplary method800 proceeds to block 804 with frequency converting the first uplinkradio frequency signal in the first radio frequency band into a firstuplink broadband signal at a first universal remote radio head 804.Exemplary method 800 proceeds to block 806 with communicating the firstuplink broadband signal to a first channelized to broadband conversionunit from the first universal remote radio head. Exemplary method 800proceeds to block 808 with converting the first uplink broadband signalinto a first uplink channelized signal for the first radio frequencyband at the first channelized to broadband conversion unit 808.Exemplary method 800 proceeds to block 810 with communicating the firstuplink channelized signal for the first radio frequency band to thefirst channelized radio frequency source at the first channelized tobroadband conversion unit.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of amethod 900 of operating a universal remote radio head. Exemplary method900 begins at block 902 with receiving a downlink broadband signalhaving data for a radio frequency band from a remote channelized tobroadband conversion module at the universal remote radio head.Exemplary method 900 proceeds to block 904 with frequency converting thedownlink broadband signal into a downlink radio frequency signal in theradio frequency band at the universal remote radio head. Exemplarymethod 900 proceeds to block 906 with transmitting the downlink radiofrequency signal in the radio frequency band to a subscriber unit at theuniversal remote radio head. Exemplary method 900 proceeds to block 908with receiving an uplink radio frequency signal in the radio frequencyband from the subscriber unit at the universal remote radio head.Exemplary method 900 proceeds to block 910 with frequency converting theuplink radio frequency signal in the radio frequency band into an uplinkbroadband signal at the universal remote radio head. Exemplary method900 proceeds to block 912 with communicating the uplink broadband signalto the remote channelized to broadband conversion module at theuniversal remote radio head.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of amethod 1000 of operating a channelized to broadband conversion unit.Exemplary method 1000 begins at block 1002 with receiving a downlinkchannelized signal for a radio frequency band from a channelized radiofrequency source at a channelized to broadband conversion unit. Inexemplary embodiments, the channelized radio frequency source is a baseband unit of a wireless access base station. In exemplary embodiments,the first channelized radio frequency source is at least one of a CommonPublic Radio Interface (CPRI) base station interface, an Open BaseStation Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) base station interface, and anOpen Radio Interface (ORI) base station interface. In exemplaryembodiments, the first downlink channelized data is formatted accordingto at least one of a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) standard, anOpen Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) standard, and a OpenRadio Interface (ORI) standard. Exemplary method 1000 proceeds to block1004 with converting the downlink channelized signal into a downlinkbroadband signal at the channelized to broadband conversion unit.Exemplary method 1000 proceeds to block 1006 with communicating thedownlink broadband signal to a universal remote radio head at thechannelized to broadband conversion unit. Exemplary method 1000 proceedsto block 1008 with receiving an uplink broadband signal from theuniversal remote radio head at the channelized to broadband conversionunit. Exemplary method 1000 proceeds to block 1010 with converting theuplink broadband signal into an uplink channelized signal for the radiofrequency band at the channelized to broadband conversion unit.Exemplary method 1000 proceeds to block 1012 with communicating theuplink channelized signal to the channelized radio frequency source atthe channelized to broadband conversion unit.

Embodiments of processors described herein (such as any of processor204, processor 304, processor 410, and processor 510 described above)include or function with software programs, firmware or other computerreadable instructions for carrying out various methods, process tasks,calculations, and control functions, used in the components of thesystems described above.

These instructions are typically stored on any appropriate computerreadable medium used for storage of computer readable instructions ordata structures. The computer readable medium can be implemented as anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or processor, or any programmable logic device.Suitable processor-readable media may include storage or memory mediasuch as magnetic or optical media. For example, storage or memory mediamay include conventional hard disks, Compact Disk-Read Only Memory(CD-ROM), volatile or non-volatile media such as Random Access Memory(RAM) (including, but not limited to, Synchronous Dynamic Random AccessMemory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate (DDR) RAM, RAMBUS Dynamic RAM (RDRAM),Static RAM (SRAM), etc.), Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically ErasableProgrammable ROM (EEPROM), and flash memory, etc. Suitableprocessor-readable media may also include transmission media such aselectrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via acommunication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose,may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Therefore, it ismanifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claimsand the equivalents thereof.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example 1 includes a distributed base station radio system comprising: afirst channelized to broadband conversion unit configured to receivefirst downlink channelized data for a first radio frequency band from afirst channelized radio frequency source; wherein the first channelizedto broadband conversion unit is further configured to convert the firstdownlink channelized data into a first downlink broadband signal; afirst universal remote radio head communicatively coupled to the firstchannelized to broadband conversion unit; wherein the first channelizedto broadband conversion unit is further configured to communicate thefirst downlink broadband signal to the first universal remote radiohead; wherein the first universal remote radio head is configured toreceive the first downlink broadband signal; wherein the first universalremote radio head is further configured to frequency convert the firstdownlink broadband signal into first downlink radio frequency signals inthe first radio frequency band; wherein the first universal remote radiohead is further configured to transmit the first downlink radiofrequency signals in the first radio frequency band to a firstsubscriber unit.

Example 2 includes the distributed base station radio system of Example1, wherein the first channelized radio frequency source is at least oneof a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) base station interface, anOpen Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) base stationinterface, and an Open Radio Interface (ORI) interface; and wherein thefirst downlink channelized data is formatted according to at least oneof a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) standard, an Open Base StationArchitecture Initiative (OBSAI) standard, and an Open Radio Interface(ORI) standard.

Example 3 includes the distributed base station radio system of any ofExamples 1-2, wherein the first universal remote radio head is furthercommunicatively coupled to a second channelized to broadband conversionunit configured to receive second downlink channelized data for a secondradio frequency band from a second channelized radio frequency source;wherein the second channelized to broadband conversion unit is furtherconfigured to convert the second downlink channelized data for thesecond radio frequency band into a second downlink broadband signal; andwherein the second channelized to broadband conversion unit is furtherconfigured to communicate the second downlink broadband signal to thefirst universal remote radio head.

Example 4 includes the distributed base station radio system of Example3, further comprising: a switch communicatively coupled between both thefirst channelized to broadband conversion unit and the secondchannelized to broadband conversion unit and the first universal remoteradio head, the switch configured to receive the first downlinkbroadband signal from the first channelized to broadband conversion unitand the second downlink broadband signal from the second channelized tobroadband conversion unit and to aggregate the first downlink broadbandsignal with the second downlink broadband signal into an aggregatedownlink broadband signal; the switch further configured to transmit theaggregate downlink broadband signal to the first universal remote radiohead; the first universal remote radio head further configured toreceive the aggregate downlink broadband signal and to frequency convertthe aggregate downlink broadband signal into radio frequency signals inboth the first radio frequency band and the second radio frequency band;and the first universal remote radio head further configured to transmitthe radio frequency signals in both the first radio frequency band andthe second radio frequency band to at least one subscriber unit.

Example 5 includes the distributed base station radio system of Example4, wherein the switch is configured to aggregate the first downlinkbroadband signal with the second downlink broadband signal through atleast one of summing, multiplexing, and combining.

Example 6 includes the distributed base station radio system of any ofExamples 4-5, wherein the switch is further configured to transmit theaggregate downlink broadband signal to a second universal remote radiohead; wherein the second universal remote radio is configured to receivethe aggregate downlink broadband signal and to frequency convert theaggregate downlink broadband signal into radio frequency signals in boththe first radio frequency band and the second radio frequency band; andwherein the second universal remote radio head is further configured totransmit the radio frequency signals in the first radio frequency bandand the second radio frequency band to at least one subscriber unit.

Example 7 includes the distributed base station radio system of any ofExamples 3-6, further comprising: a switch communicatively coupledbetween both the first channelized to broadband conversion unit and thesecond channelized to broadband conversion unit and the first universalremote radio head, the switch configured to receive the first downlinkbroadband signal from the first channelized to broadband conversion unitand the second downlink broadband signal from the second channelized tobroadband conversion unit and to aggregate the first downlink broadbandsignal with the second downlink broadband signal into an aggregatedownlink broadband signal; the switch further configured to transmit theaggregate downlink broadband signal to the first universal remote radiohead; the first universal remote radio head further configured toreceive the aggregate downlink broadband signal, to extract the firstdownlink broadband signal from the aggregate downlink broadband signal,and to frequency convert the first downlink broadband signal into radiofrequency signals in the first radio frequency band; the first universalremote radio head further configured to transmit the first radiofrequency signals in the first radio frequency band to at least onesubscriber unit.

Example 8 includes the distributed base station radio system of Example7, wherein the first universal remote radio head is configured toextract the first downlink broadband signal from the aggregate downlinkbroadband signal through at least one of de-multiplexing and splittingapart.

Example 9 includes the distributed base station radio system of any ofExamples 1-8, wherein the first universal remote radio head is furthercommunicatively coupled to a second channelized to broadband conversionunit configured to receive second downlink channelized data for a secondradio frequency band from a second channelized radio frequency source;wherein the second channelized to broadband conversion unit is furtherconfigured to convert the second downlink channelized data into a seconddownlink broadband signal; wherein the second channelized to broadbandconversion unit is further configured to communicate the second downlinkbroadband signal to the first universal remote radio head; wherein thefirst universal remote radio head is further configured to receive thesecond downlink broadband signal; wherein the first universal remoteradio head is further configured to frequency convert the seconddownlink broadband signal into second downlink radio frequency signalsin the second radio frequency band; and wherein the first universalremote radio head is further configured to transmit the second downlinkradio frequency signals in the second radio frequency band to at leastone subscriber unit.

Example 10 includes the distributed base station radio system of Example9, wherein the first universal remote radio head includes a first radiofrequency converter configured to frequency convert the first downlinkbroadband signal into the first downlink radio frequency signals in thefirst radio frequency band; wherein the first universal remote radiohead includes a second radio frequency converter configured to frequencyconvert the second downlink broadband signal into the second downlinkradio frequency signals; wherein the first universal remote radio headincludes a first power amplifier, radio frequency transceiver, andantenna set configured to transmit the first radio frequency band; andwherein the first universal remote radio head includes a second poweramplifier, radio frequency transceiver, and antenna set configured totransmit the second radio frequency band.

Example 11 includes the distributed base station radio system of Example10, wherein the first downlink radio frequency signals and the seconddownlink radio frequency signals are MIMO signals transmitted to asingle subscriber unit.

Example 12 includes the distributed base station radio system of any ofExamples 7-11, wherein the first universal remote radio head includes afirst radio frequency converter configured to frequency convert thefirst downlink broadband signal into the first downlink radio frequencysignals in the first radio frequency band; wherein the first universalremote radio head includes a second radio frequency converter configuredto frequency convert the second downlink broadband signal into thesecond downlink radio frequency signals in the second radio frequencyband; and wherein the first universal remote radio head includes asingle power amplifier, radio frequency transceiver, and antenna setconfigured to transmit both the first radio frequency band and thesecond radio frequency band.

Example 13 includes the distributed base station radio system of any ofExamples 7-12, wherein the first universal remote radio head includes asingle radio frequency converter configured to frequency convert boththe first downlink broadband signal into the first downlink radiofrequency signals in the first radio frequency band and the seconddownlink broadband signal into the second downlink radio frequencysignals in the second radio frequency band; and wherein the firstuniversal remote radio head includes a single power amplifier, radiofrequency transceiver, and antenna set configured to transmit both thefirst radio frequency band and the second radio frequency band.

Example 14 includes the distributed base station radio system of any ofExamples 1-13, further comprising: a second channelized to broadbandconversion unit configured to receive second downlink channelized datafor a second radio frequency band from a second channelized radiofrequency source; wherein the second channelized to broadband conversionunit is further configured to convert the second downlink channelizeddata into a second downlink broadband signal; a second universal remoteradio head communicatively coupled to the second channelized tobroadband conversion unit; a switch communicatively coupled between boththe first channelized to broadband conversion unit and the secondchannelized to broadband conversion unit and the first universal remoteradio head and the second universal remote radio head; wherein the firstchannelized to broadband conversion unit is further configured tocommunicate the first downlink broadband signal to the switch; whereinthe second channelized to broadband conversion unit is furtherconfigured to communicate the second downlink broadband signal to theswitch; wherein the switch is configured to communicate the firstdownlink broadband signal to the first universal remote radio head;wherein the switch is configured to communicate the second downlinkbroadband signal to the second universal remote radio head; wherein thesecond universal remote radio head is configured to receive the seconddownlink broadband signal; wherein the second universal remote radiohead is further configured to frequency convert the second downlinkbroadband signal into second downlink radio frequency signals in thesecond radio frequency band; and wherein the second universal remoteradio head is further configured to transmit the second downlink radiofrequency signals in the second radio frequency band to at least onesubscriber unit.

Example 15 includes the distributed base station radio system of any ofExamples 1-14, wherein the first channelized radio frequency source is abase band unit of a wireless access base station.

Example 16 includes the distributed base station radio system of any ofExamples 1-15, further comprising: wherein the first universal remoteradio head is further configured to receive uplink radio frequencysignals in the first radio frequency band from the first subscriberunit; wherein the first universal remote radio head is furtherconfigured to frequency convert the uplink radio frequency signals inthe first radio frequency band into an uplink broadband signal; whereinthe first universal remote radio head is further configured tocommunicate the uplink broadband signal to the first channelized tobroadband conversion unit; wherein the first channelized to broadbandconversion unit is further configured to receive the uplink broadbandsignal; wherein the first channelized to broadband conversion unit isfurther configured to convert the uplink broadband signal into uplinkchannelized data for the first radio frequency band; and wherein thefirst channelized to broadband conversion unit is further configured tocommunicate the uplink channelized data for the first radio frequencyband to the first channelized radio frequency source.

Example 17 includes the distributed base station radio system of Example16, wherein downlink and uplink signals within the first radio frequencyband are in distinct spectrum.

Example 18 includes the distributed base station radio system of any ofExamples 16-17, wherein downlink and uplink signals within the firstradio frequency band overlap in spectrum.

Example 19 includes the distributed base station radio system of any ofExamples 16-18, wherein the downlink and uplink signals within the firstradio frequency band are separated in time using a Time DivisionDuplexing (TDD) scheme.

Example 20 includes a method comprising: receiving first downlinkchannelized data for a first radio frequency band from a firstchannelized radio frequency source at a first channelized to broadbandconversion unit; converting the first downlink channelized data into afirst downlink broadband signal at the first channelized to broadbandconversion unit; communicating the first downlink broadband signal to afirst universal remote radio head from the first channelized tobroadband conversion unit; frequency converting the first downlinkbroadband signal into first downlink radio frequency signals in thefirst radio frequency band at the first universal remote radio head; andtransmitting the first downlink radio frequency signals in the firstradio frequency band to a first subscriber unit at the first universalremote radio head.

Example 21 includes the method of Example 20, wherein the firstchannelized radio frequency source is at least one of a Common PublicRadio Interface (CPRI) base station interface, an Open Base StationArchitecture Initiative (OBSAI) base station interface, and an OpenRadio Interface (ORI) interface; and wherein the first downlinkchannelized data is formatted according to at least one of a CommonPublic Radio Interface (CPRI) standard, an Open Base StationArchitecture Initiative (OBSAI) standard, and an Open Radio Interface(ORI) standard.

Example 22 includes the method of any of Examples 20-21, furthercomprising: receiving second downlink channelized data for a secondradio frequency band from a second channelized radio frequency source ata second channelized to broadband conversion unit; convert the seconddownlink channelized data for the second radio frequency band into asecond downlink broadband signal at the second channelized to broadbandconversion unit; communicating the second downlink broadband signal fromthe second channelized to broadband conversion unit to the firstuniversal remote radio head; frequency converting the second downlinkbroadband signal into radio frequency signals in the second radiofrequency band; and transmitting the radio frequency signals in thesecond radio frequency band to at least one subscriber unit at the firstuniversal remote radio head.

Example 23 includes the method of Example 22, further comprising:receiving the first downlink broadband signal from the first channelizedto broadband conversion unit at a switch; receiving the second downlinkbroadband signal from the second channelized to broadband conversionunit at the switch; aggregating the first downlink broadband signal withthe second downlink broadband signal into an aggregate downlinkbroadband signal at the switch; and communicating the aggregate downlinkbroadband signal from the switch to the first universal remote radiohead.

Example 24 includes the method of Example 23, wherein aggregating thefirst downlink broadband signal with the second downlink broadbandsignal into an aggregate downlink broadband signal at the switchincludes at least one of summing, multiplexing, and combining the firstdownlink broadband signal with the second downlink broadband signal.

Example 25 includes the method of any of Examples 23-24, furthercomprising: communicating the aggregate downlink broadband signal fromthe switch to a second universal remote radio head; converting theaggregate downlink broadband signal into radio frequency signals in boththe first radio frequency band and the second radio frequency band atthe second universal remote radio head; and transmitting the radiofrequency signals in both the first radio frequency band and the secondradio frequency band at the second universal remote radio head.

Example 26 includes the method of any of Examples 23-25, furthercomprising: communicating the aggregate downlink broadband signal fromthe switch to a second universal remote radio head; extracting thesecond downlink broadband signals from the aggregate downlink broadbandsignal; converting the second downlink broadband signal into seconddownlink radio frequency signals in the second radio frequency band atthe second universal remote radio head; and transmitting the seconddownlink radio frequency signals in the second radio frequency band atthe second universal remote radio head.

Example 27 includes the method of Example 26, wherein extracting thesecond downlink broadband signals from the aggregate downlink broadbandsignal includes at least one of de-multiplexing and splitting apart.

Example 28 includes the method of any of Examples 22-27, furthercomprising: receiving the first downlink broadband signal from the firstchannelized to broadband conversion unit at a switch; receiving thesecond downlink broadband signal from the second channelized tobroadband conversion unit at the switch; aggregating the first downlinkbroadband signal with the second downlink broadband signals into anaggregate downlink broadband signal at the switch; communicating theaggregate downlink broadband signal from the switch to the firstuniversal remote radio head; frequency converting the aggregate downlinkbroadband signal into radio frequency signals in both the first radiofrequency band and the second radio frequency band; and transmitting theradio frequency signals in both the first radio frequency band and thesecond radio frequency band to at least one subscriber unit at the firstuniversal remote radio head.

Example 29 includes the method of any of Examples 20-28, furthercomprising: receiving second downlink channelized data for a secondradio frequency band from a second channelized radio frequency source ata second channelized to broadband conversion unit; converting the seconddownlink channelized data into a second downlink broadband signal;communicating the second downlink broadband signal to the firstuniversal remote radio head from the second channelized to broadbandconversion unit; frequency converting the second downlink broadbandsignal into second downlink radio frequency signals in the second radiofrequency band at the first universal remote radio head; andtransmitting the second downlink radio frequency signals in the secondradio frequency band to at least one subscriber unit.

Example 30 includes the method of Example 29, wherein frequencyconverting the first downlink broadband signal into first downlink radiofrequency signals in the first radio frequency band occurs at a firstfrequency converter of the first universal remote radio head; whereinfrequency converting the second downlink broadband signal into seconddownlink radio frequency signals in the second radio frequency bandoccurs at a second frequency converter of the first universal remoteradio head; wherein transmitting the first downlink radio frequencysignals in the first radio frequency band to a first subscriber unit atthe first universal remote radio head occurs at a first power amplifier,radio frequency transceiver, and antenna set of the first universalremote radio head; and wherein transmitting the second downlink radiofrequency signals in the second radio frequency band to a secondsubscriber unit at the first universal remote radio head occurs at asecond power amplifier, radio frequency transceiver, and antenna set ofthe first universal remote radio head.

Example 31 includes the method of Example 30, wherein the first downlinkradio frequency signals and the second downlink radio frequency signalsare MIMO signals transmitted to a single subscriber unit.

Example 32 includes the method of any of Examples 29-31, whereinfrequency converting the first downlink broadband signal into firstdownlink radio frequency signals in the first radio frequency bandoccurs at a first frequency converter of the first universal remoteradio head; wherein frequency converting the second downlink broadbandsignal into second downlink radio frequency signals in the second radiofrequency band occurs at a second frequency converter of the firstuniversal remote radio head; and wherein transmitting both the firstdownlink radio frequency signals in the first radio frequency band andthe second downlink radio frequency signals in the second radiofrequency band occurs at a single power amplifier, radio frequencytransceiver, and antenna set.

Example 33 includes the method of any of Examples 29-32, whereinfrequency converting both the first downlink broadband signal into thefirst downlink radio frequency signals in the first radio frequency bandand the second downlink broadband signals into the second downlink radiofrequency signals in the second radio frequency band occurs at a singleradio frequency converter; and wherein transmitting both the firstdownlink radio frequency signals in the first radio frequency band andthe second downlink radio frequency signals in the second radiofrequency band occurs at a single power amplifier, radio frequencytransceiver, and antenna set.

Example 34 includes the method of any of Examples 20-33, furthercomprising: communicating the first downlink broadband signal from thefirst channelized to broadband conversion unit to a switch; receivingsecond downlink channelized data for a second radio frequency band froma second channelized radio frequency source at a second channelized tobroadband conversion unit; converting the second downlink channelizeddata into a second downlink broadband signal at the second channelizedto broadband conversion unit; communicating the second downlinkbroadband signal from the second channelized to broadband conversionunit to the switch; communicating the first downlink broadband signalfrom the switch to the first universal remote radio head; communicatingthe second downlink broadband signal from the switch to the seconduniversal remote radio head; frequency converting the second downlinkbroadband signal into second downlink radio frequency signals in thesecond radio frequency band at the second universal remote radio head;and transmitting the second downlink radio frequency signals in thesecond radio frequency band to at least one subscriber unit at thesecond universal remote radio head.

Example 35 includes the method of any of Examples 20-34, furthercomprising: receiving uplink radio frequency signals in the first radiofrequency band from the first subscriber unit at the first universalremote radio head; frequency converting the uplink radio frequencysignals in the first radio frequency band into an uplink broadbandsignal at the first universal remote radio head; communicating theuplink broadband signal to the first channelized to broadband conversionunit from the first universal remote radio head; converting the uplinkbroadband signal into uplink channelized data for the first radiofrequency band at the first channelized to broadband conversion unit;and communicating the uplink channelized data for the first radiofrequency band to the first channelized radio frequency source at thefirst channelized to broadband conversion unit.

Example 36 includes the method of Example 35, wherein downlink anduplink signals within the first radio frequency band are in distinctspectrum.

Example 37 includes the method of any of Examples 35-36, whereindownlink and uplink signals within the first radio frequency bandoverlap in spectrum.

Example 38 includes the method of any of Examples 35-37, wherein thedownlink and uplink signals within the first radio frequency band areseparated in time using a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) scheme.

Example 39 includes a universal remote radio head comprising: aninterface configured to receive a downlink broadband signal includingdigitized data for a radio frequency band from a remote channelized tobroadband conversion module; a frequency converter configured tofrequency convert the downlink broadband signal into downlink radiofrequency signals in the radio frequency band; a radio frequencytransceiver and antenna pair configured to transmit the downlink radiofrequency signals in the radio frequency band to a first subscriberunit; the radio frequency transceiver and antenna pair furtherconfigured to receive uplink radio frequency signals in the radiofrequency band from the first subscriber unit; the frequency converterfurther configured to frequency convert the uplink radio frequencysignals in the radio frequency band into an uplink broadband signal; andwherein the interface is configured to communicate the uplink broadbandsignal including digitized data for the radio frequency band to theremote channelized to broadband conversion module.

Example 40 includes a method comprising: receiving a downlink broadbandsignal including digitized data from a radio frequency band communicatedfrom a remote channelized to broadband conversion module at a universalremote radio head; frequency converting the downlink broadband signalinto downlink radio frequency signals in the radio frequency band at theuniversal remote radio head; transmitting the downlink radio frequencysignals in the radio frequency band to a first subscriber unit;receiving uplink radio frequency signals in the radio frequency bandfrom the first subscriber unit; frequency converting the uplink radiofrequency signals in the radio frequency band into an uplink broadbandsignal; and communicating the uplink broadband signal to the remotechannelized to broadband conversion module at the universal remote radiohead.

Example 41 includes a channelized to broadband conversion unitcomprising: a first interface configured to receive first downlinkchannelized data for a radio frequency band from a channelized radiofrequency source coupled to the channelized to broadband conversionunit; a converter configured to convert the first downlink channelizeddata into a downlink broadband signal; a second interface configured tocommunicate the downlink broadband signal to a universal remote radiohead; wherein the second interface is further configured to receive anuplink broadband signal from the universal remote radio head; whereinthe converter is further configured to convert the uplink broadbandsignal from the universal remote radio head into uplink channelized datafor the radio frequency band; and wherein the first interface is furtherconfigured to communicate uplink channelized data for the radiofrequency band to the channelized radio frequency source coupled to thechannelized to broadband conversion unit.

Example 42 includes the channelized to broadband conversion unit ofExample 41, wherein the channelized radio frequency source is at leastone of a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) base station interface, anOpen Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) base stationinterface, and an Open Radio Interface (ORI) interface; and wherein thefirst downlink channelized data and the uplink channelized data areformatted according to at least one of a Common Public Radio Interface(CPRI) standard, an Open Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI)standard, and an Open Radio Interface (ORI) standard.

Example 43 includes a method comprising: receiving downlink channelizeddata for a radio frequency band from an channelized radio frequencysource at a channelized to broadband conversion unit; converting thedownlink channelized data into a downlink broadband signal at thechannelized to broadband conversion unit; communicating the downlinkbroadband signal to a universal remote radio head; receiving an uplinkbroadband signal from the universal remote radio head; converting theuplink broadband signal into uplink channelized data for the radiofrequency band at the channelized to broadband conversion unit; andcommunicating the uplink channelized data for the radio frequency bandto the channelized radio frequency source coupled to the channelized tobroadband conversion unit.

Example 44 includes the method of Example 43, wherein the channelizedradio frequency source is at least one of a Common Public RadioInterface (CPRI) base station interface, an Open Base StationArchitecture Initiative (OBSAI) base station interface, and an OpenRadio Interface (ORI) interface; and wherein the downlink channelizeddata and the uplink channelized data are formatted according to at leastone of a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) standard, an Open BaseStation Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) standard, and an Open RadioInterface (ORI) standard.

What is claimed is:
 1. A distributed base station radio systemcomprising: a first universal remote radio head configured to receivefirst uplink analog radio frequency signals in a first radio frequencyband from a first subscriber unit; wherein the first universal remoteradio head is further configured to convert the first uplink analogradio frequency signals in the first radio frequency band into a firstuplink digital broadband signal through at least one of frequencyconversion and analog to digital conversion; a first broadband tochannelized conversion unit communicatively coupled to the firstuniversal remote radio head; wherein the first universal remote radiohead is further configured to communicate the first uplink digitalbroadband signal to the first broadband to channelized conversion unit;wherein the first broadband to channelized conversion unit is furtherconfigured to receive the first uplink digital broadband signal; whereinthe first broadband to channelized conversion unit is further configuredto convert the first uplink digital broadband signal into first uplinkdigital channelized data for the first radio frequency band; and whereinthe first broadband to channelized conversion unit is further configuredto communicate the first uplink digital channelized data for the firstradio frequency band to a first channelized radio frequency interface.2. The distributed base station radio system of claim 1, wherein thefirst channelized radio frequency interface is at least one of a CommonPublic Radio Interface (CPRI) base station interface, an Open BaseStation Architecture Initiative (OBSAI) base station interface, and anOpen Radio Interface (ORI) interface; and wherein the first uplinkdigital channelized data is formatted according to at least one of aCommon Public Radio Interface (CPRI) standard, an Open Base StationArchitecture Initiative (OBSAI) standard, and an Open Radio Interface(ORI) standard.
 3. The distributed base station radio system of claim 1,wherein the first universal remote radio head is further communicativelycoupled to a second broadband to channelized conversion unit; whereinthe first universal remote radio head is further configured tocommunicate a second uplink broadband signal for a second radiofrequency band to the second broadband to channelized conversion unit;wherein the second broadband to channelized conversion unit is furtherconfigured to receive the second uplink broadband signal from the firstuniversal remote radio head; wherein the second broadband to channelizedconversion unit is further configured to convert the second uplinkbroadband signal for the second radio frequency band into second uplinkdigital channelized data; and wherein the second broadband tochannelized conversion unit is further configured to communicate thesecond uplink digital channelized data for the second radio frequencyband to a second channelized radio frequency interface.
 4. Thedistributed base station radio system of claim 3, further comprising: aswitch communicatively coupled between both the first broadband tochannelized conversion unit and the second broadband to channelizedconversion unit and the first universal remote radio head; the switchconfigured to receive an aggregate uplink broadband signal from thefirst universal remote radio head and to separate the first uplinkbroadband signal and the second uplink broadband signal from theaggregate uplink broadband signal; and the switch further configured tocommunicate the first uplink broadband signal to the first broadband tochannelized conversion unit and the second uplink broadband signal tothe second broadband to channelized conversion unit.
 5. The distributedbase station radio system of claim 3, further comprising: a switchcommunicatively coupled between both the first broadband to channelizedconversion unit and the second broadband to channelized conversion unitand the first universal remote radio head; the first universal remoteradio head further configured to receive the first radio frequencysignals in the first radio frequency band from at least one subscriberunit; the first universal remote radio head further configured tofrequency convert the first radio frequency signals in the first radiofrequency band into a first uplink digital broadband signal; the firstuniversal remote radio head further configured to combine the firstuplink digital broadband signal with another uplink digital broadbandsignal into the aggregate uplink digital broadband signal; and the firstuniversal remote radio head further configured to transmit the aggregateuplink digital broadband signal to the switch.
 6. The distributed basestation radio system of claim 5, wherein the first universal remoteradio head is configured to combine the first uplink digital broadbandsignal with another uplink digital broadband signal into the aggregateuplink digital broadband signal through at least one of de-multiplexingand splitting apart.
 7. The distributed base station radio system ofclaim 5, wherein the first universal remote antenna includes a singleradio frequency transceiver and antenna set configured to receive boththe first radio frequency band and the second radio frequency band; andwherein the first universal remote radio head includes a single radiofrequency converter configured to frequency convert both the firstuplink analog radio frequency signals in the first radio frequency bandinto the first uplink digital broadband signal and the second uplinkanalog radio frequency signals in the second radio frequency band intothe second uplink digital broadband signal.
 8. The distributed basestation radio system of claim 1, wherein the first channelized radiofrequency source is a base band unit of a wireless access base station.9. A channelized to broadband conversion unit comprising: a firstinterface configured to receive first downlink digital channelized datafor a radio frequency band from a first channelized radio frequencysource coupled to the channelized to broadband conversion unit, whereinthe first downlink digital channelized data is specific to a firstchannel; a converter configured to convert the first downlink digitalchannelized data into a first downlink digital broadband signalrepresenting a portion of radio frequency spectrum having a plurality ofchannels in non-overlapping locations that represent the location ofeach of the plurality of channels within the portion of radio frequencyspectrum; and a second interface configured to communicate the downlinkdigital broadband signal to a universal remote radio head.
 10. Thechannelized to broadband conversion unit of claim 9, wherein the firstchannelized radio frequency source is at least one of a Common PublicRadio Interface (CPRI) base station interface, an Open Base StationArchitecture Initiative (OBSAI) base station interface, and an OpenRadio Interface (ORI) interface; and wherein the first uplink digitalchannelized data is formatted according to at least one of a CommonPublic Radio Interface (CPRI) standard, an Open Base StationArchitecture Initiative (OBSAI) standard, and an Open Radio Interface(ORI) standard.
 11. The channelized to broadband conversion unit ofclaim 9, wherein the first channelized radio frequency source is a baseband unit of a wireless access base station.
 12. A universal remoteradio head comprising: an interface configured to receive a downlinkdigital broadband signal representing a portion of radio frequencyspectrum in a radio frequency band having a plurality of channels innon-overlapping locations that represent the location of each of theplurality of channels within the portion of radio frequency spectrum; aconverter configured to convert the downlink digital broadband signalinto downlink analog radio frequency signals in the radio frequencyband; and a radio frequency transceiver and antenna pair configured totransmit the downlink analog radio frequency signals in the radiofrequency band to a first subscriber unit.
 13. The universal remoteradio head of claim 12, wherein the first universal remote radio head isfurther communicatively coupled to a second channelized to broadbandconversion unit; and wherein the first universal remote radio head isfurther configured to receive a second downlink broadband signal for asecond radio frequency band from the second broadband to channelizedconversion unit.
 14. The universal remote radio head of claim 12,further configured to receive a second downlink digital broadband signalrepresenting a second portion of radio frequency spectrum in a secondradio frequency band having a second plurality of channels innon-overlapping locations that represent the location of each of thesecond plurality of channels within the second portion of radiofrequency spectrum.
 15. A broadband to channelized conversion unitcomprising: a first interface configured to receive a first uplinkdigital broadband signal from a first universal remote radio head,wherein the first uplink digital broadband signal represents a portionof radio frequency spectrum having a plurality of channels innon-overlapping locations that represent the location of each of theplurality of channels within the portion of radio frequency spectrum; aconverter configured to convert the uplink digital broadband signal fromthe universal remote radio head into first uplink digital channelizeddata for the radio frequency band, wherein the uplink channelized datais specific to a first channel; and a second interface configured tocommunicate the first uplink digital channelized data for the radiofrequency band to a first channelized radio frequency interface coupledto the broadband to channelized conversion unit.
 16. The broadband tochannelized conversion unit of claim 15, wherein the first channelizedradio frequency interface is at least one of a Common Public RadioInterface (CPRI) base station interface, an Open Base StationArchitecture Initiative (OBSAI) base station interface, and an OpenRadio Interface (ORI) interface; and wherein the first uplink digitalchannelized data is formatted according to at least one of a CommonPublic Radio Interface (CPRI) standard, an Open Base StationArchitecture Initiative (OBSAI) standard, and an Open Radio Interface(ORI) standard.
 17. The broadband to channelized conversion unit ofclaim 15, wherein the first channelized radio frequency interface is abase band unit of a wireless access base station.
 18. A universal remoteradio head comprising: a radio frequency transceiver and antenna pairconfigured to receive uplink analog radio frequency signals in the radiofrequency band from a first subscriber unit; a converter configured toconvert the uplink analog radio frequency signals in the radio frequencyband into an uplink digital broadband signal representing a portion ofradio frequency spectrum in a radio frequency band having a plurality ofchannels in non-overlapping locations that represent the location ofeach of the plurality of channels within the portion of radio frequencyspectrum; and a first interface configured to communicate the uplinkdigital broadband signal to a remote channelized to broadband conversionunit.
 19. The universal remote radio head of claim 18, wherein the firstuniversal remote radio head is further communicatively coupled to asecond broadband to channelized conversion unit; and wherein the firstuniversal remote radio head is further configured to communicate asecond uplink broadband signal for a second radio frequency band to thesecond broadband to channelized conversion unit.
 20. The universalremote radio head of claim 18, further configured to receive a seconddownlink digital broadband signal representing a second portion of radiofrequency spectrum in a second radio frequency band having a secondplurality of channels in non-overlapping locations that represent thelocation of each of the second plurality of channels within the secondportion of radio frequency spectrum.